Beginning with the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and following through all the subsequent FCC and state proceedings pertaining to competition, interconnection, access reform, and universal service, JSI has maintained a keen regulatory focus. Our regulatory and economic policy groups serve as effective, pro-active watchdogs for community-based companies. In addition, JSI participates actively in a number of associations, coalitions, and task forces to steer federal and state policy in a direction that affords independent providers similar opportunities and safeguards as larger carriers.
At the federal level, JSI participates in generic FCC dockets to analyze notices, proposed rulemakings, and orders for their impact on clients; assists clients in complying with rules and regulations; partners with national and state associations on common positions and strategies; and, drafts comments and replies supporting independent ILEC positions. In addition, JSI often plans and participates in ex parte meetings with FCC staff, and works with individual clients to file company-specific comments.
JSI also is active in state regulatory proceedings, similarly analyzing how state PUC notices, proposals, and orders could affect clients. In the course of these proceedings, JSI regularly represents independent ILEC interests in state universal service developments, ensures clients comply with PUC rules and regulations, participates with industry coalitions on strategies supporting ILEC positions, and partners with state associations on common strategies. JSI also assists clients with filing company-specific comments and providing expert testimony and participating in ex parte meetings with state PUC staff.
Clients also look to JSI for counsel and assistance in economic-related proceedings, both at the FCC and at state PUCs. JSI evaluates national and state cost proxies, reviews state-specific costing and pricing dockets, and develops regional or independent ILEC proxies. Along the same line, JSI can provide expert testimony, develop or analyze cost support data, and participate in ex parte meetings. Finally, JSI assists with individual company filing requests, preparing waivers and petitions for reconsideration of FCC or PUC rules, and developing economic and technical data to support waivers and petitions.
If you would like additional information or have any questions regarding our regulatory or economic support services, contact John Kuykendall (jkuykendall@jsitel.com) in JSI's Maryland office, at 301-459-7590, or Douglas Meredith (dmeredith@jsitel.com) in JSI's Salt Lake City office, at 801-294-4576.
